What a gorgeous shop! Situated in one of the more run down arcades in Leeds, Upstaged Vintage is a…read morewelcome addition to the thriving vintage scene. The thing that makes this one distinctive for me, is I could tell that the owners are very selective when buying stock. In many vintage shops, it seems evident that a large order has been delivered from wholesalers, and it doesn't always seem completely genuine. There is an old-fashioned, celebratory feel on entering the family run local business. With bunting and fairy lights decorating the place, and an iconic washing line hanging from the ceiling displaying 50's style lingerie, it feels special. I can't speak highly enough of the pieces on sale. The faux fur coats and numerous jackets are absolutely stunning. I tried on a classic pilots waistcoat and jacket. Complete with gold buttons and a stripe on the cuffs, it was beautifully tailored to fit a women. Collections of tea dresses and evening gowns from the 1930's to the 1980's adorn the interior. There is an interesting shoe section of the shop, with some truly unique pairs on show. Upstairs, there are further delights in store. It is a burlesque pin-up boutique; filled with a wide range of corsets, gloves, burlesque accessories and pin-up style lingerie. Dita Von Teese would be in her element. The woman running the shop was absolutely lovely, she was patient and attentive whilst I dithered over what to try on. There is a men's section of the shop and they also sell goods online. Although Upstaged Vintage is not in an obvious location, the treasure you uncover when discovering it, is reward in itself.

Who would have thought that tucked away in the Grand Arcade was a shop that is some kind of vintage…read moreheaven? No, not me, and so imagine my surprise to nip in the other day and discover it?! According to the guys in there people often say that they had no idea that it existed, which is really quite shameful, since it has been here for over a year! Imagine that. And all the delights that I have missed. The ground level shop space has two changing rooms, which you will need, and all the glorious vintage items that you could possibly wish for. There are beautiful eighties puffed sleeved dresses, glorious gorgeous full length coats - one in particular which was absolutely divine but sadly a size wrong for me. They also have some beautiful classy hats, gloves, scarves, shirts - you name it. It's hard to actually describe the amount of beauty within, you really must go and see it for yourself. The people in there are lovely, friendly and vintage fans themselves so you won't be short on advice either! Prices are ranging, but considering they are selling high end clothing for a fraction of the original price I would call it bargainous - investment pieces. The upstairs section also deserves a special mention in its own right. Set out as a burlesque boutique it has a number of beautiful items especially collected for ladies who perform burlesque acts. There are fitted corsets galore, of the finest quality, in a range of sizes. I couldn't sing louder about such a cool and exciting place to shop. It's beyond fancy dress in every sense of the word 'fancy', it is divine! You absolutely must visit, if only for a browse.

It used to be PDSA, I think, and it was a vintage charity shop before, but the guys at Sue Ryder…read morehave done an incredible job of making this charity shop a consistently excellent source of vintage goods. When ever I'm in Headingley I pop in, no matter what schedule I'm on, as there's always a quick, amazing bargain to be had. I love their window displays -- they always catch my eye, and more than once I've bought something from the mannequin. If you're in any way a fan of vintage clothing, this place has to be on your list of spots to have a browse. As well as great threads (often with really ace old school labels or handmade items) they have some really great antique bric a brac -- leather handbags, scarves, ornaments, crockery, records, sewing machines, and all sorts. The staff are always lovely too! If you're about town, pop in and have a rummage. It's a feel-good buy all round!

Finding a, um, 'Space', like this in Harrogate was a pretty strange experience really. Like walking…read moreon the moon. I saw it as I walking by and gravity went from underneath me, I got all bouncy in my step and bounded in - eager to forage for some vintage delights. Bargain vintage delights. In Harrogate? This is new. I didn't find bargain vintage delights. Rather expensive vintage delights. Very expensive vintage delights. You want £28 for a set of old cups? Oh right, I see. You're really vintage. Oooh. Oooooh. A new oooooh. You've got copies of The Face. I was never a cool enough early teen to be into The Face. I wish the face still existed. Oooooh. There's a copy here with The Strokes on the front. You want a fiver for it? Not a quid? Ah. Right. This place knows it has novelty value in Harrogate. And while it might spout about being an independent collective of vintage 'retailers', what would be a very enjoyable haberdashery of all nice, cute old things comes off feeling a bit too retail-based. We'll see how this one pans out.

I love this shop. All sorts of yesteryear nick-nacks…read more Shops like this have received a little bit of attention of late because they are selling the collectable stuff people hope to find in charity shops. The interesting bits you used to find in charity shops find a home here and the place does well. What's more the really knowledgeable guy who runs it is a great to spend some time with as he comes across a great deal more than can fit onto this Tardis-like shop. It's a wonderful place to browse in, but, as another reviewer said, don't expect charity shop prices as a lot of this stuff is now quite hard to find, and is priced accordingly.

It's always nice to revisit a place sometime later and find that you like it better than before…read more Today, I did just that with Best Vintage. They've had a bit of a refit on the frontage, it seems, with new signage and suchlike but I wanted to investigate further and see if that had actually changed anything inside. The answer? Yes and no. Basically, I'm a magpie. And what did I spot in their gloriously large upper Victorian window? An amazing shirt. I had to go and check it out. So, I popped in and made my way upstairs. The downstairs seems now entirely dedicated to men's fashion -a brave choice, you might think, since I'm sure that most shops would have the girly bits on ground level to attract more in. Even so, I consider it a wise choice -the girls, like myself, will likely happily venture upstairs and it lets the guys know there will be plenty for them to check out, since most vintage shops overlook or underplay the men's choices. And there really are options for guys here; a hoard of funky t-shirts, cool jeans, excellent shoes and so on. (Perhaps I'm making assumptions about shoppers, but it's my small take on what might be going on.) So, upward I went and had a pre-browse before examining the aforementioned shirt. There's a large sale rack up at present with tons of dresses. 50% off, if you make it in time, which is quite the saving. Amongst the dresses were many different enticing colours and styles, all very vintage. Some of them had a bit of staining, which is unfortunate, but the nature of a second hand browse I have come to learn. As ever, the thing that hadn't changed was the pricing. I think some of it was a little steep, but then I am an honourary Yorkshire, so this penny-pinching may be learned behaviour. That being said, the range was pretty good and I'm certainly going to be back for a second look at the amazing display of beaded and glittery dresses and tops -honestly, I'm not sure I've seen so many in one place. There are plenty of other bits to gander at too. A plethora of fluffy jumpers, totally 80s style, boots and other knick-knacks. (Their jewellery on the other hand was pretty well priced!) But -to the shirt. I asked the chap if he could tell me the price, and he couldn't see the label so guessed at around £35-40. Hmmm, that seemed a little much to me. In any case, he offered to take it off the mannequin so I could try it, and after making sure that this would be ok since I might not buy it, he reassured me and fetched it down. It was a perfect fit, and as a total bonus, the label in fact said £25. Now that's a price I could pay for a one off beaded lemon yellow delight. Perhaps it was as I'd just saved fifteen quid in my head from his original price, but for a very delicate and unique piece, I think the amount was just right. (So obviously, I bought it.) At the till the chap was lovely, and one of the other lads commented on what an awesome shirt it was, so we had a great wee natter too. Basically, the staff must be new(er) as they're SO much friendlier than before. Awesome. They're ace, essentially. The best bit? Apparently a lot of girls had come in before and tried the shirt, none being brave enough to wear it. What an utter shame - ladies, be brave and wear something dazzling with pride! I'm sure you'd have looked fabulous. However, you'll have to find another glittered beauty, as the glory of this baby is all mine! Muh hah hah! (In short: check them out!)

avoid this store. avoid this store. avoid this store…read more so today i was in there with some frends and purchased what was sold as levis when i got back home i noticed they were primark!!!!! i paid a lot of money for these and to find out they are some nasty used primark is bare joke!!!!! do not shop here, i think they sell many fakes and pretend they are proper brands! i am going back next week to demand my money back!!!! avoid this store. avoid this store. avoid this store. avoid this store. avoid this store. avoid this store. avoid this store. avoid this store. avoid this store. avoid this store. avoid this store. avoid this store. avoid this store. avoid this store. avoid this store.

Big thanks to Gab behind the counter, super sweet and helped me get all fitted up for cowboy night…read moreim going to!!

Ingeniously situated in one of Leeds' most bohemian and effortlessly cool areas, Hyde Park, Retro…read moreBoutique provides customers with vintage items from many eras with which to wear and furnish. Like any retro shop, you have to root around for ages before you find anything worth buying, and sometimes you won't find anything worth purchasing at all. There are heaps of clothes on offer, but they are more geared towards women than men, which is a bit disappointing if you have a Y chromosome. Unlike most of the other vintage shops in Leeds, however, this place does offer plenty of quirky items of furniture as well as its clothing selection. So if you're a woman, or in need of some bizarre bric-a-brac, I'd recommend Retro Boutique. If, like me, however, you want to find a 1980s Adidas tracktop, I'd recommend Blue Rinse in town.

I stumbled across Pop Boutique after visiting the haberdashery right next to it. I was surprised to…read moresay the least. Cute little woollen skirts and check shirts seemed to be the running trend. Along with lots of lurex and sparkles! A lot of the clothes here are recycled, hence their motto - recyclable fashion! The fitting rooms are plastered with cool band photos and pin ups advertising burlesque evenings. I bought a shirt and a skirt from here and can't wait to wear them. Different and affordable with lovely, polite staff. 5 stars from me!

Pop Boutique is one of that strange breed of shop that seems to market itself as a 'vintage' yet…read morestocks entirely new clothing, cut from new textiles in designs vaguely inspired by vintage clothing. There are a few genuine vintage finds in here, but they seem to be getting fewer and farther between as the stock leans more and more towards the new. Put aside any qualms over the label 'vintage', however, and you'll find that Pop Boutique is a fine addition to the pile of central Leeds clothes shops, and while its cute tea dresses and floral skirts may not be originals from the 1950s they're still different - and cheaper - than anything you might find on the high street.

As the name suggests, this is like going into your mad Auntie's attic and seeing what she's been…read morestoring and hoarding for years! I love looking round this little nook, and seeing what treasures have been unearthed. The owner is a delight to talk to - she's so friendly, without being pushy, and the second floor of Bird's Yard is all the better for having her in there

What a place ! Nestled near the North Yorkshire Wolds near Pocklington on the road between Market…read moreWeighton and York , this is a must visit location ! Wonderful tea room , and old buildings crammed with treasures . From old vinyl records 78s 45 s and lps even some reel to reels and there are old radios tvs and record players . walls filled with old railway and pub signs lots of vintage and antique furniture , cabinets of curiosities , architectural salvage from old garden troughs to old red telephone boxes , there is something for everyone at any budget. old vintage clothing and jewels antiquarian books maps posters and prints. theres just too much to list , You should go see for yourselves

From the owner: Bar Farm Antiques has grown from a modest one room shop to a mega-complex of four converted chicken…read moresheds and a giant warehouse stocked with an unimaginable variety of collectables and Antiques. Complete with a vintage/retro clothing boutique.

This place is a haven of beautiful furniture. I had a recent trip here with my Mum, after…read moreChristmas, and we ended up buying a hoard of items-they've just so many wonderful things! Basically, if you're after unique antique furniture, this is a must-visit shop for those fabulous writing desks, blanket boxes, retro lampshades and so on. I bought an absolutely gorgeous writing desk, which is part display cabinet, for only £60 and for an extra tenner they delivered it to my door. (Of course, I had to persuade the lads I live with to carry it upstairs, but they got paid in coffee and mince pies.) The staff were excellent, helping me to mark which items I wanted to buy, and even searching through a bag of keys to find the right one for my desk. They've a number of clothes as well, although typically I find them a little more hit and miss, but essentially if there's anything you need in the way of furnishings you should definitely visit here first. They've odds and ends as well, chimney pots, large doors, glassware, tables -you name it and you'll probably find it. Essentially, it's so cheap compared to quality new furniture and it's all in the name of charity. I'm so pleased with my purchases! Awesome.

I discovered Poverty Aid as a student living in Hyde Park in 2004. It was amazing back then and the…read moreamazingness remains! Some of my best purchases have come from poverty aid, including my legendary purple velvet sofa, 1960's cage dressmakers mannequin, and no end of random kitchenwares! they have a really good furniture selection, absolutely loads of bric a brac, vintage items, clothes, books, records - you can find all sorts hidden away in there! The prices are great, they like to do some bartering and they now do delivery of any item to anywhere in leeds for £10. When I bought my sofa the 2 staff lifted it into my living room for me. Poverty Aid, I salute you! (And will be visiting very soon on a mission for a vintage wardrobe!)

This is one of the more popular, and more well established, fancy dress shops of Leeds. It has been…read morehere for an age it seems, supplying the students with their pink netted skirts and pretend breasted chests, among other outfits worthy of ridicule. Perhaps these guys are the number one reason why the Otley run ever became a fancy dress themed event, but what ever the reason is, these guys are here to stay. They offer more than most of the fancy dress shops in Leeds in terms of choice, where as one might only have three varieties of 'uniforms' for women, this place will have seven, and so on. The staff inside are really friendly and always seem to want to know the occasion if not to help, then, just to be friendly, which is quite pleasant. The prices in here are pretty reasonable, given most of that which is on offer in the downstairs area is plastic based tat and meant to be for the one-nighter. In the upstairs they have a bit more of a proper costume supply, which is always loads of fun to rummage, with some costumes so cool that you may only hire and not purchase. Certainly, if only for the upstairs, it is worth a peek!

I really love any kind of fancy dress shop as I love dressing up and putting different outfits…read moretogether! A Fancy Dress Experience is no different to any other fancy dress shop in Leeds really...they have the usual culprits of alter-egos and the usual accessories and face paints. Stop by if you are going to put yourself through the nightmare that is the Otley Run!